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Home , Barney Pityana, Biko (book), Donald Woods, Frank Talk, I Write What I Like, Jimmy Kruger

LOVE AND MARRIAGE

In Durban in early 1970, met I must say, he Nontsikelelo (Ntsiki) Mashalaba

Steve Biko Foundation was very politically who came from Umthatha in the . She was pursuing involved then as her nursing training at King Edward Hospital while Biko was president of SASO. a medical student at the I remember we University of . used to make appointments and if he does come he says, “Take me to the station – I’ve Daily Dispatch got a meeting in tomorrow”. So I happened to know him that way, and somehow I fell

for him. Ntsiki Biko Daily Dispatch During his years at Ntsiki and Steve university in Natal, Steve had two sons together, became very close to his eldest Nkosinathi (left) and sister, Bukelwa, who was a student Samora (right) pictured nurse at King Edward Hospital. here with Bandi. Though Bukelwa was homesick In all Biko had four and wanted to return to the Eastern children — Nkosinathi, Cape, she expresses concern Samora, Hlumelo about leaving Steve in Natal and Motlatsi. in this letter to her mother in1967: He used to say to his friends, “Meet my lady ... she is the actual embodiment of

blackness - black is beautiful”. Ntsiki Biko Daily Dispatch AN ATTITUDE OF MIND, A WAY OF LIFE

SASO spread like wildfire through the black campuses. It was not long before the organisation became the most formidable political force on black campuses across the country and beyond. SASO encouraged black students to see themselves as black before they saw themselves as students.

SASO saw itself Harry Nengwekhulu was the SRC president at as part of the black the University of the North liberation movement (Turfloop) during the late before it saw itself as a Bailey’s African History Archive 1960s. A founder member of both SASO and the Black student organisation. Consciousness Movement Harry Nengwekhulu (BCM), he was one of Bikos closest friends and comrades.

Strinivasa "Strini" We emphasised Moodley, another pioneer the fact that students of the BCM in , were a part of the oppressed was a journalist and community – their parents

playwright and a close Independent Newspapers, Durban worked in factories, comrade and friend of Biko. As one of the accused in the were domestic workers. We SASO/BPC trial, he encouraged students to go into served six years on the communities and help with . building extra classrooms and clinics. Strini Moodley

The first SASO General Barney Pityanas Students Council, held in July 1970 relationship with Biko in Durban elected as dates back to Lovedale College president to succeed Biko. As and the University Christian Bailey’s African History Archive publications director, Biko became Movement which Pityana headed during the late 1960s. Also a founder editor of the SASO Newsletter, where member of SASO and BCM, together he wrote prolifically under the with Harry Nengkwekhulu he pseudonym, . led the BCM in exile.

One of the Durban conference resolutions stated Themba Sono that emancipation depended was ousted as SASO

Bailey’s African History Archive entirely on the role black people President in 1972 because he supported close co-operation themselves were prepared to play. between SASO and some This doctrine of self-emancipation homeland leaders. SASO was defined as Black Consciousness advocated a radical approach which was an attitude of towards the homeland leaders, mind, a way of life. calling them puppets of the Pretoria regime. One of the key objectives of SASO was to address what they termed black peoples inferiority complex. As Frank Talk, Biko wrote the following inspired by Frantz Fanons Black Skins, White Masks: It becomes clear that as long as blacks are suffering from an inferiority complex - a result of 300 years of deliberate oppression, denigration and derision - they will become useless co-architects of a normal society. Hence what is necessary as a prelude to anything else that may come is a very strong grassroots build-up of black consciousness such that blacks can learn to assert themselves and their rightful claim. Frank Talk – Black Souls in White Skins? SASO Newsletter, August 1970

This and all subsequent editions of the SASO newsletter were banned in July 1976. In October, SASO was declared an illegal organisation under the Internal Security Act. Photos: Unisa Archives 1972-1976 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS MOVEMENT The Black Consciousness Movement consisted of a group of intellectuals who, until 1976, concentrated on ideas rather than mass mobilisation. They wanted to conscientise black South Africans, to mobilise them psychologically.

Steve Biko and his comrades argued that oppression was as much psychological as political. They believed that it was vital for black South Africans to break the pattern of subservience and to develop their own sense of self-worth. Black people had to become self-reliant and self-confident and draw on indigenous cultural and political traditions. When you say, “Black is beautiful,” you are saying, “Man you are okay as you are, begin to look upon yourself

as a human being.” Biko, Photo: Bailey’s African History Archive The first step therefore is to make the black man come into himself; to pump back life into his empty shell; to infuse him with a pride and dignity, to remind him of his complicity in the crime of allowing himself to be misused and therefore letting evil reign supreme in the country of his birth. This is what we mean by an inward-looking process. This is the definition of Black Consciousness. Biko, I write what I like

SASO defined Black Consciousness as follows: ¥ Black Consciousness is an attitude of mind, a way of life. ¥ The basic tenet of Black Consciousness is that the black man must reject all value systems that seek to make him a foreigner in the country of his birth and reduce his basic humanity. ¥ The black man must build up his own value systems, see himself as self-defined and not as defined by others. ¥ The concept of Black Consciousness implies the awareness of black people of the power they wield as a group, both economically and politically and hence group cohesion and solidarity are important facets of Black Consciousness. ¥ Black Consciousness will always be enhanced by the totality of involvement of the oppressed people, hence the message of Black Consciousness has to be spread to reach all sections of the black community. SASO Newsletter, September 1971 A SPIRIT OF SELF-RELIANCE

SASO and the Black People s Convention argued that blacks should realise that they alone can determine their own destiny. Community development, community involvement and a spirit of self-reliance became the cornerstones of Black Consciousness.

Winnifred Kgware (extreme left) was UWC RIM Mayibuye Archives elected president of BPC at its first National Congress in December 1972. Addressing the congress is .

After Biko was expelled from medical school, he worked for the In June 1972, Biko was

Black Community Programmes (BCP) expelled from the University which included education, health of Natal Medical School. and welfare projects. At this time, he played a central role in forming the Black Peoples Convention (BPC), an umbrella body of black Zanempilo Community consciousness organisations. Health Centre, in the rural The BPC was formally launched

community of Zinyoka outside Benjamin Pogrund in Pietermaritzburg in July 1972 King Williams Town, was a very to fill the political vacuum successful health project. A created by the banning of the brainchild of Biko, the clinic ANC and the PAC more than helped to improve health a decade earlier. conditions in the surrounding villages. BPC aims to UCT Libraries unite the

One of the black people of South driving forces Africa with a view to behind the success of Zanempilo was Dr mobilising the Mamphela Ramphele masses towards their (right), a close comrade struggle for liberation and intimate friend of Biko. In 1978, she gave and emancipation birth to Bikos son, from both Hlumelo, a name that psychological and means the shoot that grows from a dead physical oppression. BPC Constitution tree trunk. A CULTURAL RENAISSANCE

“Who can speak the heart of the black man, who can sing the rhythm of the black man, who can paint the suffering of the black man and who can act the pain, the desires, the loves and

hates of the black experience?” Strini Moodley, SASO Newsletter, May/June 1972

After the imprisonment, bannings and departure for Omar Badsha Between 1957 and 1966, exile of African intellectuals the list of black artists who left and artists in the 1960s, the South Africa included Es kia Black Consciousness Mphahlele, Lewis Nkosi, Arthur Movement contributed to Maimane, Todd Matshikiza, Bessie a cultural renaissance in Head, Cosmo Pieterse, Can all art forms in Themba, Nat Nakasa, Mazisi the 1970s. Kunene, Bloke Modisane, Arthur Nortje, Keorapetse Kgositsile, , Alex La Guma, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela. Many never returned.

There is no doubt that the pulse of the arts in the

National English Literary Museum 1970s was provided by the performing arts, especially theatre. Theatre emanated from the unions, the Black Consciousness Movement, the collaborative efforts of , John Kani and , Gibson Kente, Barney Simon (above left) and “Today the theatre a multitude of university and of revolt has established its community groups. Bailey’s African History Archive

validity. The theatre picks Requiem from Brother X, out and accuses the with Maynard Peters and Vic Mafungo at University of perpetrators of evil. It Natal TECON Theatre Group. denounces the oppressor,

it rejects war and it The Afro-Jazz music advocates revolution.” of Malombo in the early

SASO Newsletter, June 1971 Bailey’s African History Archive 1970s is considered by some as the first original jazz music to come out of South Africa. BREAKING THE SILENCE

On 1 April 1966, under the Suppression of Communism Act, a ban was imposed on 46 writers living abroad. Their works were prohibited from being published, sold, distributed, possessed or even quoted in South Africa.

“South African Inside South Africa, a culture of fear prevailed Cullen Library literature had become and censorship silenced white by law”. many writers. However, in 1967 the silence was Richard Rive, 1966 broken with the launch of Classic which published the new wave of poets “The emergence including Mafika Pascal of “the new wave of Gwala, Mafika Mbuli, Oswald Mtshali and poets” was contemporaneous . with the rise of Black Consciousness, which became the mid-wife to these nascent voices. Few movements in history understood the political

importance of the cultural Wopko Jensma A proliferation of small magazines in struggle better than the Black the early 1970s such as Izwi Consciousness Movement ... and New Classic brought other leading poets to the The revolt of words was shot fore such as Oswald through with black power.” Mtshali, Sipho Sepamla and Don Mattera. Mbulelo Vizikhungo Mzamane

“Black culture The Black Consciousness Fikile above all implies freedom Movement had an important Disa Digital influence on publications on our part to innovate such as Black Review, an without recourse to white annual survey of issues of concern to the black values. This innovation is community, Black Viewpoint, part of the natural and Black Perspective, which included in-depth articles development of on major areas of any culture.” national life. Steve Biko, I write what I like 1973-1976 BANNED AND BANISHED

THE HEAT’S ON On 1 March 1973,

Daily Dispatch the ministers of death Biko and seven other pounce SASO/BPC leaders were knights in dullshining banned under the armour Suppression of Communism tear the entrails of the sacred Act. This meant that Biko was restricted to the of perspiring ebony figure Ginsberg in King Williams on the street corner Town. It also meant all he did not have was that Biko could a dompas charged not be quoted. with its power of opening permanently-closed doors Mandlenkosi Langa SASO Newsletter, May/June 1972

Biko enrolled to study law through UNISA 1974 - Biko was and founded the Eastern Cape Independent Newspapers, Durban branch of the Black Community charged for breaking his Programmes (BCP). He worked banning order by receiving as a branch executive visitors at home. He was until an extension of his banning found not guilty and order at the end of 1975 prohibited acquitted. him from being associated with BCP or entering its King 1975 - Biko was Williams Town offices. refused a passport to attend a conference of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in Germany. He Steve being was again charged with Steve, really, he breaking his banning order by entering an educational Bailey’s African History Archive wouldn’t take the institution to write a law banning order examination. This case was seriously because never concluded. he would do things 1976 - He was charged once again with breaking done by everybody his banning order.The Court discharged him.

else. I mean, if he Archives Cosatu feels like a party, he

would go Like Biko, Mapetla Mohapi (left), an active member of SASO and to a party. BPC, was also constantly Ntsiki Biko harassed by the security police. He was detained for an extended period in 1974, banned in 1975, and died in detention in 1976. The state alleged that he committed suicide in his cell. VIVA FRELIMO

After the fall of the Portuguese as a result of a coup in 1974, Viva Frelimo rallies were held by the Black People’s Convention (BPC) and South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) in support of the independence struggle in . This led to numerous bannings and detentions and the charging of nine SASO/BPC members under the Terrorism Act.

What was on trial Saths Cooper (left) was one of the nine SASO/BPC trialists.

was the Black Consciousness Ranjith Kally Movement itself. Rather than The other eight included Aubrey contributing to the suppression of Mokoape, Strini Moodley, the Black Consciousness Movement, Zithulele Cindi, Nkwenkwe the long trial helped to publicise Nkomo, Muntu Myeza, Mosioua Terror Lekota, Pandelani the movement, giving the accused Nefolovhodwe and Kaborone a continuous public platform Kaunda Sedibe. through the press.

On 25 June 1975, Mozambique became an

Unisa Archives independent country, after 470 years under Portuguese colonial rule. Frelimo, the organisation that had fought a long war for freedom, came to power with Samora Machel as president. Johncom Biko was called The regime to testify at the trial in May 1976. This was the was opposed to any form only opportunity he had of communism or socialism. Since to speak out after 1973 Frelimo was a socialist movement, when he was banned indirectly SASO was supporting from travelling, public speaking and writing them. That was the logic behind

for publication. the trials. Harry Nengwekhulu

Vino Cooper (left), wife of Saths and Gwen

Museum Africa Mokoape (right), wife of Aubrey, outside court. The proceedings were fully reported in the Rand Black thinks that Daily Mail. Overnight Steve everything good is white. became the toast of the This attitude comes from shebeens. Here at last was the authentic voice of the people, not childhood. When we go afraid to say openly what all to school, our school is not blacks thought but were too the same as the white Museum Africa frightened to say.

school. Our homes are The accused were all different, the streets are found guilty and sentenced to different. So you begin to five years imprisonment for promoting anti-white feelings, feel that there is encouraging racial hostility and something incomplete preparing for violent revolution. about being black, and The trial turned out to be the last time Biko spoke that completeness goes in public. with being white. Biko’s evidence in the SASO/BPC Trial 1976-1977 RESISTANCE AND REPRESSION

The South African Abram Onkgopotse

Students Movement (SASM) Johncom Tiro (centre) with his was formed in 1968, with a students at Morris Isaacson particular focus on youth in High School in Soweto in secondary schools. The black the early 1970s, whom he consciousness ideas propagated introduced to Black by SASM were an important Consciousness. Tiro was factor that influenced the killed by a parcel bomb in actions of the students in in 1974. the 1976 uprisings.

Mike Mzileni On 16 June 1976, the students of Soweto took to the streets to protest against the decision to introduce as a medium of instruction in black schools. The uprising soon spread around the country. Over 700 students were killed.

August 1976 - Biko was detained under the Daily Dispatch The uprising Terrorism Act. After led to increased spending 101 days at repression by the Fort Glamorgan Prison apartheid government. Maximum Security Section Hundreds of students in East , he was fled the country and released without many others were being charged. detained.

January 1977 - Biko was elected Honorary President at the Congress of the Black We came People’s Convention in Durban. around the corner

Johncom and ahead was a police March 1977 - Biko road block. They was charged with pretended they didn't defeating the ends of justice and was detained know us. The police again at Fort Glamorgan officer asked Biko, and acquitted. “Who are you, big man?” and Biko replied: July 1977 - Biko was accused of inciting “I am Bantu Stephen Johncom school children. He was Biko.” Peter Jones acquitted yet again.

Before long, Biko and 18 August 1977 Peter Jones (left) found Biko and his close themselves manacled to cell comrade, Peter Jones, bars in a Grahamstown were stopped at a road prison. After several hours, block outside the two were separated Grahamstown. Biko was and driven to a prison in rushing back home to nearby . Peter avoid being charged for Jones was to never breaking his banning to see his friend again. order again. Kagiso Pat Mautloa (left), who designed SIMAKADE, the Sunday Times memorial to eight detainees who died at Square Police Station in Johannesburg, with Vusi Mchunu, who was detained there in July 1977 Photo: Sunday Times BIKO S LAST DAYS

You are either alive or proud or you are dead, and when you are dead, you can't care anyway. And your method of death can itself be a politicising thing. Biko, I write what i like

19 August 1977 Biko is detained in Port Elizabeth under Section 6 of the Daily Dispatch Terrorism Act, which allows for him to be held indefinitely.

6 September 1977 Biko is moved from Walmer Police Station to security police headquarters for interrogation.

7 September 1977 Major Harold Snyman, leader of the day interrogation team, informs Colonel Goosen, head of the Eastern Cape security police, that Biko is acting strangely and refusing to respond to questions. Dr Ivor Lang, District Surgeon in Port Daily Dispatch Elizabeth, is called by Goosen to examine Biko.

7 September 1977 With Goosen in attendance, Lang examines Biko while he is lying on a mat and manacled to a metal grille. Biko displays loss of the ability to co-ordinate muscular movement and exhibits slurred speech. Lang finds a swollen “laceration on upper lip, bruise over the sternum, ring… mark around each wrist, swelling of hands feet and ankles”. Lang does not ask Biko how he obtained his injuries. Goosen asks Lang for a medical certificate on which he writes:“I have found no evidence of any abnormality or pathology on the patient”.

8 September 1977 Lang is summoned again. Goosen voices concern that Biko has not urinated in the previous 24 hours and has refused to eat. Lang examines Biko in the presence of Dr Benjamin Tucker, Chief District Surgeon of Port Elizabeth. Tucker observes “a possible extensor plantar reflex” (a sign of brain damage).

Biko complains of a vague pain in his head and back. Tucker does not ask Biko how he obtained his cut lip but does ask Biko if he has any complaints. Tucker and Lang ask Dr Colin Hersch, a specialist neurologist in private practice, to examine Biko at Sydenham Prison Hospital.

In a bid for change we have to take off our coats, be prepared to lose our comfort and security, our jobs and positions of prestige, and our families ... A struggle without

casualties is no struggle. Biko, The Quest for a True Humanity in occasionally. station, Bikoisleftlyingonamatthecementfloorofcell.Policewardenslook puncture wasnormalandasa result, Iamreturninghimtothepolicecells”. 12 September1977 injection. other than that heisrefusingtoeat. by theDistrictSurgeon, Dr AvanZyl. personnel duringthejourney.Severalhoursafterarrivalatprison,Bikoisexamined of aLandRoveranddriventoPretoriaCentralPrison. Biko isunaccompaniedbymedical The semi-comatosepatient,nakedandhandcuffed, is placedonsomecellmats onthefloor that thisisdone. Tucker asksthatBikobegivenasoftmattolieonduringthejourneybutdoesnotverify to LangbutneitherofthemsendsasummaryBiko’sconditionorhischartsPretoria. police totransferBikobymotorvehiclePretoria,1100kilometresaway.Tuckerspeaks provincial hospitalinPortElizabeth.Goosenrefuses.Tuckergivespermissionforthe and concludesthatthereisnochange.TuckersuggestsBikobetransferredtothe eyed, hyperventilatingandfrothingatthemouth”. Goosen callsTuckertothepolicestation.ThewardenfindsBiko 11 September1977 condition. Haveinformed entry inthemedicalrecordsatSydenhamPrisonHospital,Langwrites: and advisesLangtokeepBikoundercloseobservation.examinesBiko.Inthefinal Dr RKeely,aneurosurgeon,isconsultedviatelephone.Keelyalsosuggestsbraindamage 10 September1977 dies aloneand stone floor. unattended, lying ona Steve Biko mat ona Biko [ Daily Dispatch Daily Dispatch Johncom thatDrHerschandmyselffindnopathology, that lumber ] act ashefeelsBikoisLang’spatient. Tucker feelsthisisasignofbraindamagebutdoesnot Tucker thatHerschhaddetectedanabnormalplantarreflex. that hewasfoundinabathfullyclothed. Lang informs examine Biko.AwardertellshimthatBikohaseatenand he doesnotbeginanytreatment.Langvisitsbut to Goosen.HesuggeststhatBikoseesaneurosurgeonbut to hissuspicionofbraininjury.However,herevealsthis In hisreportHerschdoesnotincludespecificreference of abloodvesselduringtheprocedure). fluid (indicatingeitherbraininjuryand lumbar puncture,whichrevealsbloodinthecerebrospinal in bedandwalkswithaleft-sidedlimp.Herschperforms exhibits strangemovements,findsitdifficulttoturnover side weaknessandanextensorplantarreflex.Bikoalso Hersch findsthepatientexhibitingaspeechdefect,left- 9 September1977 Van ZylgivesBikoanintravenousdripanda vitamin He doesnothaveanyinformationaboutthepatient Tuckerconductsafive-minuteexamination “collapsed, glassy- / / ÷ ÷ / / / or thepiercing “No changein In thepolice DEATHS IN DETENTION 1963 - 1990 JHB - Johannesburg ¥ EC - Eastern Cape ¥ PTA - Pretoria ¥ EL - East London ¥ PE - Port Elizabeth ¥ DBN - Durban ¥ PS - Police Station

1963 1 NGUDLE, 05/09/63 35 Compol, Pretoria 17 Suicide by hanging ’Looksmart’ Solwandle 1963 2 MAMPE, Bellington ??/09/63 ? Worcester 140 Undisclosed 1964 3 TYITA, James 24/01/64 ? Port Elizabeth ? Suicide by hanging 1964 4 SALOJEE, Sulaiman 09/09/64 32 The Greys, JHB 65 Suicide, jumped from 7th floor 1965 5 GAGA, Ngeni 09/05/65 19 Transkei 1 Natural causes 1965 6 HOYE, Pongoloshe 09/05/65 ? Transkei 1 Natural causes 1966 7 HAMAKWAYO, James 09/10/66 ? Pretoria Prison 14 Suicide by hanging 1966 8 SHONYEKA, Hlangula 09/10/66 ? Pretoria Prison 40 Suicide 1966 9 PIN, Leong 19/11/66 50 Leeukop Prison, PTA 1 Suicide by hanging 1967 10 YAN, Ah 05/01/67 63 Silverton PS 37 Suicide by hanging 1967 11 MADIBA, Alpheus 09/09/67 ? Namibia 1 Suicide by hanging 1968 12 TUBAKWA, 11/09/68 ? Pretoria Prison 1 Suicide by hanging Bolowa Jundea 1968 13 UNKNOWN PERSON ??/??/68 ? ? ? Reported by Minister of Police 1969 14 KGOATHE, 04/02/69 57 Held: Silverton PS 85 Natural causes: Bronchial pneumonia Nicodemus Died: HF Verwoerd Hospital after slipping in the shower 1969 15 MODIPANE, Solomon 28/02/69 50 Held: Silverton PS 3 Natural causes: After slipping Died: HF Verwoerd Hospital on piece of soap, fatal injuries 1969 16 LENKOE, James 10/03/69 35 Pretoria Prison 5 Suicide by hanging 1969 17 MAYEKISO, Caleb 01/06/69 56 Port Elizabeth police cells 18 Natural causes not specified 1969 18 SHIVUTE, Michael 17/06/69 ? Ondangwa police Cells, 1 Suicide Namibia 1969 19 MONNAKGOTLA, 10/09/69 ? Pretoria Prison 222 Natural causes: thrombosis Jacob 1969 20 HAROON, Abdullah 27/09/69 44 Maitland Police Station, 122 Natural causes: heart trouble Hadja (Imam) CT caused by fall down stairs 1971 21 CUTSHELA, 22/01/71 68 Held: Pondoland 31 Natural causes: Brain haemorrhage Myantheli (Mthayeli) Died: Transkei hospital 1971 22 TIMOL, Ahmed 27/10/71 30 John Vorster Square JHB 5 Suicide, jumped from 10th floor 1974 23 GANGALA, Diliza Eric 06/12/1974 19 Mdatsane, EL 3 Hit with a baton during arrest,

1976 24 MDLULI, Joseph 19/03/76 50 Security HQ DBN 1 Injury to neck after falling against chair 1976 25 TSHWANE, 25/07/76 ? Modderbee Prison 1 Shot while trying to escape, Nomodi William East Rand justifiable homicide 1976 26 MOHAPI, Mapetla 05/08/76 29 Kei Road Police Station, 22 Anoxia and suffocation as a East London result of hanging 1976 27 MAZWEMBE, 02/09/76 25 Caledon Square Police 1 Suicide by hanging Luke Storie Station, 1976 28 MBATHA, Dumisani 25/09/76 16 Held: Modderbee Prison 9 Natural causes, Died: Far East Rand extreme sympathetic system activity Hospital with avuncular fibrillation of heart 1976 29 MOGATUSI, Fenuel 28/09/76 22 Johannesburg Fort 70 Natural causes, suffocating during an epileptic fit 1976 30 MASHABANE, Jacob 05/10/76 22 Johannesburg Fort 4 Suicide by hanging 1976 31 UNKNOWN MAN 05/10/76 ? Carltonville police cells ? Undisclosed, allegation of assault before death 1976 32 MZOLO, Edward 09/10/76 40 Johannesburg Fort 8 Undisclosed 1976 33 MAMASHILA, 19/11/76 35 Balfour, 13 Suicide by hanging Ernest (gangster?) 1976 34 MOSALA, Thabo 25/11/76 60 Butterworth, Transkei 95 Natural causes, internal bleeding from gastric ulcer 1976 35 TSHAZIBANE, 11/12/76 30 John Vorster Square, 2 Suicide by hanging Mlungisi Johanesburg 1976 36 BOTHA, George 15/12/76 30 Sanlam Building, 5 Suicide, jumped 6 floors Port Elizabeth down a stairwell 1977 37 NDZANGA, Lawrence 09/01/77 52 Johannesburg Fort 51 Natural causes: heart failure 1977 38 NTSHUNTSHA, 08/01/77 42 Leandra, Eastern Transvaal 26 Hanging, probably suicide Naboath (Dr) vomited blood in his cell 1977 39 MALELE, Elmon 20/01/77 61 Held: John Vorster Square 13 Natural causes: haemorrhage Died: Princess Nursing Home after hitting head against desk during interrogation 1977 40 MABELANE, 15/02/77 22 John Vorster Square 25 Accidental, fell from 10th floor Marwale Mathews 1977 41 JOYI, Twalimfene 15/02/77 ? Idutywa, Transkei ? Post-mortem result not revealed 1977 42 MALINGA, Samuel 22/02/77 45 Held: Pietermaritzburg 22 Natural causes: Heart disease Died: Edendale Hospital & pneumonia 1977 43 KHOZA, Aaron 26/03/77 35 Pietermaritzburg Prison 106 Suicide by hanging 1977 44 MABIJA, Phakamile 07/07/77 27 Transvaal Road Police 10 Suicide. Jumped from 6th floor Station, Kimberley 1977 45 SEGWALE, Rose 09/07/77 59 In prison, Soweto ? Undisclosed 1977 46 LOZA, 01/08/77 59 Held: Victor Verster Prison, 65 Natural causes: stroke Nkwenkwe Elijah Paarl Died: Tygerburg Hospital, CT 1977 47 HAFFEJEE, Dr Hoosen 03/08/77 26 Brighton Beach PS, DBN 1 Suicide by hanging 1977 48 MZIZI, Bayempini 14/08/77 54 Brighton Beach PS, DBN 35 Suicide by hanging 1977 49 BIKO, Bantu Steve 12/09/77 30 Held: Sanlam Building, PE 24 Brain injury during Died: Pretoria scuffle with police 1977 50 JAMES, Mbulelo Rocky 09/11/77 17 Lingelihle township office 1 Died after escaping from police custody 1977 51 MALAZA, Sipho 16/11/77 18 Krugersdorp police cells 138 Suicide by hanging Bonaventura 1977 52 NOBHANDULA, 20/12/77 ? North End Cells, PE 6 Presumably owing Mzukisi to natural causes 1978 53 TABALAZA, Lungile 10/07/78 19 Sanlam Building, PE 1 Suicide, jumped from 5th floor 1978 54 MATSOBANE, 09/08/78 21 Robben Island Prison 96 Unnatural causes Johannes Mputle 1980 55 NDZUMO, 10/09/80 58 , Transkei 9 Natural causes: Heart trouble, Kolisile Saul diabetes, blood pressure 1980 56 MATALASI, 23/12/80 27 Wellington Prison 90 Strangulation Sifundisile 1981 57 MGQWETO, Manana 17/09/81 60 Engcobo Prison, Transkei ? Unknown 1981 58 MUOFHE, 12/11/81 28 2 Assault by police Tshifhiwa Isaac 1982 59 AGGETT, Neil (Dr) 05/02/82 28 John Vorster Square PS 70 Suicide by hanging 1982 60 DIPALE, 08/08/82 21 John Vorster Square 3 Suicide by hanging Moabi Ernest 1983 61 MNDAWE, 08/03/83 23 Nelspruit Police Station 14 Suicide by hanging Tembuyise Simon 1983 62 MALATJI, 05/07/83 23 Protea PS, Soweto 1 Culpable homicide, shot in Paris Molefe forehead at point-blank range 1984 63 TSHIKHUDO, 29/01/84 53 Held: Venda 77 Natural causes Samuel Died: Tshilidzini Hospital 1984 64 TETYANE, 15/03/84 ? Held: Transkei ? Culpable homicide Asiya Adolphus Died: Butterworth Hospital 1984 65 SIPELE, Mxolisi ??/06/84 ? Sulenkama Hospital, Transkei ? Unknown: police claim he died in hospital a month after release 1984 66 NGALO, Bonakele 18/07/84 26 Parys 13 Found dead in his cell Johannes 1984 67 MTHETHWA, Ephraim 25/08/84 22 Durban Central Prison 165 Suicide by hanging 1984 68 MOLELEKE, Jacob 29/09/84 16 East Rand Hospital ? Shot by police 1984 69 MASUNYANE, 05-07/11/84 ? Kathlehong PS ? Unknown, no post mortem, Anthony no inquest 1984 70 KOROTSOANE, ??/03/85 28 Held: Vereeniging PS ? Unknown, no post mortem, Tatleho Died: Leratong Hospital no inquest 1984 71 NGWENYA, Abel 29/11/84 31 Daveyton 1 Epileptic fit 1985 72 MVULANE, Bheki 29-30/02/85 18 Died: Natalspruit Hospital 12 Assault by police 1985 73 MUTSI, Sipho 05/05/85 19 Held: Odendaalsrus PS 1 Epileptic fit Died: Pelonomi Hospital 1985 74 RADITSELA, 06/05/85 29 Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto 2 Fatal head injury, Andries fell from Casspir 1985 75 MOGALE, Meshack 17/11/85 16 Mamelodi East ? Unknown 1985 76 SPOGTER, 04/07/85 13 Steytlerville PS, EC 1 Head injuries Johannes Witbooi 1985 77 MUGGELS, 04/07/85 20 Steytlerville PS, EC 1 Shot by police Mzwandile 1985 78 THEMBALAKHE, 16/08/85 15 Held: King Williams Town 1 Internal injuries George Died: Grey Hospital 1985 79 NDZANDZE, 21/08/85 20 Held: King Williams Town 6 Internal injuries Loyiso Died: Cecilia Makiwane Hospital

1985 80 MBOTYA, Mbuyisela 21/09/85 35 Died: East London Hopital 1 Head injuries 1985 81 NDONDO, Batandwa 24/09/85 22 Cala, Transkei 1 Shot by police 1985 82 MASHEGO, Johannes 19/04/85 26 Parys 1 Unknown 1985 83 RAMALEPE, Ngoako ??/10/85 26 Kgapane Hospital, Duiwelskloof 1 Injured during a clash between students and the police, 1985 84 NTUNGWANA, ??/10/85 18 St Albans Prison 360 Suicide by hanging Mzwandile 1986 85 PHOSHOKO, Joel 01/04/86 28 Pretoria Central ? Unknown 1986 86 KUTUMELA, 05/04/86 25 Lebowa 1 Police assault Makompo Lucky 1986 87 NCHABELENG, Peter 11/04/86 59 Lebowa 1 Police assault 1986 88 NGOMANE, Eric 11/04/86 22 Hazyview, kaNgwane 21 Shot while trying to escape 1986 89 SILIKA, Ayanda 12/05/86 23 Crossroads 6 Shot while trying to escape 1986 90 MOGOTSE, Joseph 13/12/86 ? Pretoria 1 Assault Died: Garankuwa Hospital 1986 91 MAHLANGU, Jacob 11/09/86 ? Pretoria 1 Shot dead in a police vehicle 1986 92 SONGELWA, Mbuyisa 05/10/86 29 East London Prison 310 Untreated asthma attack 1986 93 JACOBS, Xoliso 22/10/86 20 Upington Prison cell 129 Suicide by hanging Johannes 1986 94 BAKO, Lungisile ??/11/86 18 Held: Square - PE ? Internal injuries Died: Livingstone Hospital

1986 95 MARULE, 23/12/86 20 Held: Modderbee Prison 183 Kidney failure Matanzima Simon Died: Boksburg / Benoni Hospital

1987 96 MASHOKE, Benedict 26/03/87 20 Burgersfort Police Station 215 Suicide by hanging

1987 97 KRIEL, Ashley 09/07/87 20 Bonteheuwel, Cape Town 0 Shot by police 1987 98 CELE, Edwin 09/07/87 22 Durban Police Station ? Shot by police 1987 99 MNTONGA, Eric 24/07/87 35 Mdantsane Cells, 1 Police assault 1987 100 BANI, Nobandla 29/07/87 56 North End Cells, Port Elizabeth 222 Stroke 1987 101 MARUME, Ndiko 04/11/87 ? Sasol ? Died in a police van 1988 102 ZOKWE, Sithembele 12/01/88 36 Butterworth, Transkei 1 Police shooting 1988 103 DLOMO, 24/01/88 18 Emdeni ? Body found in open ground, Emdeni Sicelo Godfrey? 1988 104 KOBE, Andile 20/03/88 22 George ? Head injuries 1988 105 MAKALENG, Alfred 26/08/88 37 Held: Nylstroom 804 Natural causes, fluid on the brain Died: JHB Hospital 1988 106 KHOZA, 01/12/88 18 Held: Klerksdorp 1 Jumped from the 7th floor while Delekile Amos Died: Hillbrow JHB handcuffed and manacled 1989 107 DAKUSE, 23/01/89 36 6 Shot by police ’Decks’ Patrick 1990 108 PHIRI, 18/01/90 16 Welverdiend PS ? Police assault Mbuyiselo Nixon 1990 109 ZUNGU, Michael 29/01/90 20 Natal 1 Flung into the back of police van 1990 110 SITHOLE, 30/01/90 20 John Vorster Square 4 Suicide by hanging Clayton Sizwe 1990 111 TLHOTLHOMISANG, 26/03/90 39 Held: Klerksdorp Prison 7 Police report: meningitis Lucas Died: Tshepong Hospital 1990 112 MADISHA, 01/06/90 30 Potgietersrus PS 130 Police report: suicide by hanging Donald Thabela 1990 113 MBULWANA, 13/07/90 15 Held: Welverdiend PS 3 Haemorrage caused by pressure of the skull Thokozani Eugene Died: Leratong Hospital 1990 114 TSOENE, Enoch 25/09/90 ? Transkei ? Found dead in his cell 1990 115 TSHABALALA, ??/??/90 ? Kempton Park PS ? Suicide by hanging Samuel

1982 DLODLO, Linda 22/09/82 18 Died after release from 15 Linda Dloldlo was a chronic asthma sufferer Protea PS, Soweto and was extremely ill after her detention 1985 MOSHOBANE, ??/??/85 24 Underwent an operation for 90 Before her death she could Segano Josephine blood clots on the brain after release hardly speak or eat. ? BOLTINI, Mr ??/??/?? 31 Died in custody of police 1 Civil servant in Ciskei in connection with theft of firearm

Sources: South African Democracy Education Trust, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconcilliation & the Human Rights Committee of South Africa paid their respects to thebrilliantshining paid theirrespects of mournersstood upasonewiththeir coffin into Stadium,Victoria thousands the stadium in King Williams Town the stadiuminKing Williams on 25 September 1977. Thousands more, from every corner ofthecountry,from every had deaths, theyleave themasseswith clenched fistsintheairandbeganto been brutallymurdered atthehands shoulders withrepresentatives from countries around theworld, asthey that rainy, coldSunday morningon their unconquerable ideaswhich e h xcr arighsfte s hisfather carrying led theox-cart loss. Itisbetter to dieforanidea our struggleandyour lossasour been turnedaway by riotpolice at star, BantuStephen Biko, whohad Ordinary working peoplerubbed working Ordinary not diedinvain –despite their of the apartheid security police. security of theapartheid which willlive thanto live for they successfully preached to As six-year-old NkosinathiBiko Extract from statementExtract by theBlackPeople’s Convention black political martyrs have black politicalmartyrs We regard your struggleas There were 20000peopleat BURYING road blocksalongtheway. sing thenationalanthem, He wasonly30years old. Mr M Mr Tlhabanelo, SWAPO Publicity Secretary an ideawhichwilldie. those whoremain. Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Mr Biko andother BIKO

Bailey’s African History Archive Daily Dispatch Getty Images STF, AFP, Getty Images Bailey’s African History Archive PictureNet Bailey’s African History Archive Johncom Museum Afrrica and aclosefriendofBiko editor oftheDailyDispatch inEastLondon do it in a very isolateddo itinavery world. this way, theywillhave to government want to operate in have to answer. IfMr Vorster andhis That willreally bethequestionthat we apartheid? Should we besupporting to have arelationship Africa. withSouth government andoutto bereluctant to causemostAmericansbothin Biko’s death isgoing to know.to had theprivilege the greatest manIever andquite simply country leader intheentire political most important wavered that thiswas the him, my convictionnever that Igrew to know In thethree years The World, 1977 26September reason to fearit. white andthat whites hadno Movement was notracist oranti- that theBlackConsciousness by thecrowds, BPCleadersstressed Stephen Biko andsomesongssung speakers at thefuneral ofBantu sentiments expressed by certain Despite strong anti-white of thebrutalmurder ofSteve Biko. South Africa. This was, many would claim, consequence adirect Nations calledfor atotal armsembargo to belaunchedagainst On 4November 1977, Council attheUnited theSecurity US Senator DickClarke, chairmanoftheSenate Subcommittee onAfrica

Donald Woods, BIKO

September '77 Port Elizabeth weather fine It was business as usual In police room 619 Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Yehla Moja, Yehla Moja - The man is dead

When I try to sleep at night I can only dream in red The outside world is black and white With only one colour dead Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Yehla Moja, Yehla Moja - The man is dead

You can blow out a candle But you can't blow out a fire Once the flames begin to catch The wind will blow it higher Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Yehla Moja, Yehla Moja - The man is dead

And the eyes of the world are watching now watching now

Peter Gabriel

OFFICIAL CAUSE OF DEATH

On 14 September 1977, Minister of Justice, , addressed a Nationalist Party Congress. He stated that Biko had died as a result of a hunger strike and said: I am not glad and I am not sorry about Mr Biko. His death leaves me cold. I can say nothing to you. Any person who dies ... I shall also be sorry if I die ... (Laughter)

On 9 November 1977, Kruger admitted that Biko had in fact died of brain damage. But he said: A man can damage his brain in many ways. I have also felt like banging my head against a brick wall many times, but realising now, with the Biko autopsy, that may be fateful, I haven’t done it. Johncom NO ONE TO BLAME

The inquest of Steve Biko was not simply an exceptional event; it was the revelation of , of the way it has distorted ordinary people, and the way it has destroyed

all morality and decency in a rich and beautiful country. Hilda Bernstein

Shortly after On 2 December 1977, Magistrate Bikos death, on 14 Prins delivered his verdict:

November 1977, the Time & Life Pictures The identity of the deceased routine inquest into is Bantu Stephen Biko, Blackman, unnatural deaths approximately 30 years old began in the Old Date of death: 12 September 1977 Synagogue in Pretoria before Magistrate Cause or likely cause of death: Marthinus Prins. Head injury with associated extensive brain injury. The head

Johncom injury was probably sustained during Council for the morning of Wednesday, the Biko family was 7 September 1977, when the lead by Advocate Sydney deceased was involved in a scuffle Kentridge (centre), and with members of the Security Branch included Advocates George of the at Port Bizos, Jonathan Gluckman, Elizabeth. The available evidence Shun Chetty and Ernie Wentzel. does not prove that the death was brought about by any act of omission involving or amounting to an offence During the two on the part of any person. That weeks of evidence the PictureNet completes this inquest. police witnesses, including Major Harold Snyman (right), were unable to explain the deterioration of Biko between However, the the time he entered the magistrate found there interrogation room on to be some evidence of 6 September and the improper conduct by following morning when, the doctors and referred according to Colonel Pieter the matter to the South Goosen, he refused African Medical and to speak. Dental Council

Bailey’s African History Archive (SAMDC).

A huge crowd of spectators squeezed into the courtroom Sydney Kentridge everyday to listen to the was depressed by the high drama of the outcome of the inquest and proceedings. Those who questioned what purpose there were not able to gain

PictureNet was in practicing law in South access to the courtroom Africa. I responded that the gathered in large magistrate’s judgement was not numbers outside the Old what mattered; the world jury Synagogue and sang had found both the policemen freedom songs, and the doctors including Winnifred guilty of an atrocity. Kgware (right). George Bizos, No one to blame I think Steve expected to die in the hands of the security police. I think all of us expected it. Steve was prepared to sacrifice his life for the black cause. Ntsiki Biko Andrzej Sawa, Johncom GUILTY AS CHARGED

It took the South African Medical and Dental Council (SAMDC) almost three years after the inquest to find that there was no evidence of improper conduct on the part of the doctors. Consequently, no disciplinary action was taken against them. The same conclusion was reached by the Medical Association of South Africa (MASA). These decisions led to an outcry both at home and abroad.

Critical Health was The doctors, for published monthly from Adler Museum 1979 - 1994. It focused on whatever reason, felt health issues in the context themselves beholden to of apartheid inequalities the security police. They and probed medical ethics in relation to did not query the origin treating detainees. of Biko’s injuries and symptoms. This studied lack of curiosity can only

In 1984, two be explained either by independent groups of their active collaboration doctors (from left, Professor Adler Museum with the police or a Tobias, Professor Ames, Dr Veriava and Professor deliberate choice not to Jenkins), as well as Dr Wilson embarrass the police, or and Dr Mzamani took the indeed themselves. matter of the Biko doctors SAMDC's submission on to the Supreme Court. behalf of the Biko family This led to a second

enquiry being held. Daily Dispatch

The court ordered the SAMDC to hold a disciplinary hearing into the conduct of the doctors. Eight years after Bikos death, the SAMDC was forced to institute disciplinary proceedings Dr Tucker was found against the doctors. guilty of improper and disgraceful conduct on three counts. He was struck off the role but in 1991 he The doctor shall not successfully applied to countenance, condone or be reinstated. participate in the practice of torture or other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading Dr Lang was found procedures, whatever the guilty of improper conduct. However, he offences of which the victim received only a caution of such procedures is and reprimand. He suspected, accused or guilty, continued to practise and whatever the victim’s until he retired. belief or motives. Declaration of Tokyo of 1975: Guideline for doctors attending to prisoners or detainees